What is a Rectal Biopsy?

A rectal biopsy is a procedure used to extract a tissue sample from the rectum for laboratory analysis. The rectum is the lowest six inches of the large intestine, and is located just above the anal canal. Its purpose is to store the body’s solid waste until it is released.

A rectal biopsy is an important tool for determining the causes of abnormalities in the rectum. It helps to diagnose problems that are identified in screening tests such as anoscopy or sigmoidoscopy.

Each test uses a different type of scope to observe the inner lining of the colon and rectum. The tests can identify the presence of conditions such as tumors, polyps, bleeding, or inflammation. However, anoscopy and sigmoidoscopy alone are limited in determining the causes of these abnormalities.

Diagnostic Uses of a Rectal Biopsy

Your physician may recommend a rectal biopsy to:

identify the cause of blood, mucus, or pus in your stool

determine the causes of tumors, cysts, or masses identified in a rectal screening test

confirm a diagnosis of amyloidosis (a condition in which abnormal proteins called amyloids build up in your organs and spread through your body)

make a definitive diagnosis of rectal cancer

Preparation for a Rectal Biopsy

To get the most reliable results from your rectal biopsy, it is necessary for your physician to see the rectum clearly. This requires that your bowels are empty. Typically, you will be given an enema or laxative to facilitate this. Your physician will give you specific instructions about emptying your bowels.

You should tell your physician about any prescription or over-the-counter medications you are taking. Discuss how they should be used before and during the test.

Your physician may provide special instructions if you are taking medications that could affect the procedure, especially if your biopsy is part of a sigmoidoscopy. These medications may include:

Tell your physician if you are pregnant, or think you might be pregnant, to ensure that your fetus is not harmed.

The Rectal Biopsy Procedure

A rectal biopsy usually is performed during an anoscopy or sigmoidoscopy. These tests are outpatient procedures typically done by a gastroenterologist or surgeon.

Anoscopy

An anoscopy typically is performed in a physician’s office. This test uses a lighted scope called an anoscope. The scope allows the physician to view the lowest two inches of the anal canal and the lower rectum. A proctoscope, which allows for viewing further into the rectum, also may be used.

Sigmoidoscopy

A sigmoidoscopy can be performed in a hospital, an outpatient surgical center, or in a specially equipped physician’s office. This test uses a much longer scope. A sigmoidoscope enables the physician to see further into the large intestine, past the rectum, and into the colon. It is a flexible, lighted tube that is over two feet long. It has a camera that transmits video images to a monitor. The images help the physician guide the sigmoidoscope through the rectum and colon.

The Procedure

Preparations for both types of procedures are similar. The sigmoidoscopy, which is the more complicated procedure, takes about 20 minutes to perform. Taking a rectal biopsy can extend the timing slightly.

Typically, general anesthesia, sedatives, and pain killing medication are not administered for the procedures. You will be positioned lying on your left side on an examining table. You will pull your knees toward your chest.

Your physician will perform a digital rectal examination. He or she will apply lubricant to a gloved finger, which will be inserted gently into your anus. The initial exam is to check for obstructions that may interfere with the scope. During the examination you will feel pressure. Your physician will then insert the lubricated scope. You will feel pressure when the scope is inserted and you may feel cramping, as though you need to pass gas or have a bowel movement.

If you are having a sigmoidoscopy, air will be inserted into the colon through the scope. The air will inflate the colon to allow the physician to see the area more clearly. If fluid or stools are in the way, your physician may use suction to remove them. You may be asked to change position to allow the physician to alter the position of the scope.

Your physician will remove a sample of abnormal tissue he or she finds in the rectum. The biopsy will be extracted with forceps, a brush, swab, or suction catheter. Typically, a patient does not feel pain from the tissue removal.

Electrocauterization, or heat, may be used to stop any bleeding that results from tissue being removed. When the procedure is over, the scope is removed slowly from your body.

Recovery from a Rectal Biopsy

The degree to which you need to recover will depend on the type of procedure that was used to collect your rectal biopsy.

If a flexible sigmoidoscopy was used, you may experience bloating from the air that was introduced into the colon. This may result in abdominal discomfort or passing gas for a few hours after the procedure.

It is not uncommon to find a small amount of blood in your first bowel movement after your rectal biopsy. Contact your physician if you experience:

extreme abdominal pain

fever

more than one bloody bowel movement, especially if bleeding is heavy or clotted

a feeling of faintness

You can resume your normal diet and activities as soon as you wish.

Risks of a Rectal Biopsy

A rectal biopsy can provide valuable data for diagnosing abnormal tissue in the rectum. In cases where cancer is a concern, the procedure can provide a definitive diagnosis.

However, a rectal biopsy, like any invasive procedure, carries the risk of internal damage to the targeted organ or nearby areas. Potential risks of a rectal biopsy include:

bleeding

bowel perforation—a tearing of the bowel

difficulty with urination

These risks are rare and considered acceptable when weighed against the value of the information a rectal biopsy can provide.

Understanding the Results of a Rectal Biopsy

The tissue sample that was retrieved during your rectal biopsy will be sent to a laboratory for examination. A pathologist—a physician who specializes in disease diagnosis—will examine the tissue. A report on the findings will be sent to your physician.

If the results of your rectal biopsy are normal, the findings will indicate:

the anus and rectum are normal in size and appearance

there is no bleeding

no polyps, hemorrhoids, cysts, or tumors were found

no abnormalities were noted

If the results of your rectal biopsy are abnormal, the physician may have found:

amyloidosis

abscesses

infection

inflammation

polyps or other abnormal growths

tumors

Abnormal results of your rectal biopsy also may indicate a positive diagnosis for: